50 Winners: An Ursa tribute
We hit our first major milestone of 50 winners when Curious Rover scored at Haydock on Friday.
Here, we take a look at each time Team Battenberg has been welcomed back to the winners’ enclosure!
Cape Hideaway, Doncaster, March 25th 2018 (Mark Walford, Miss Emma Todd)
The horse that started it all, Cape Hideaway was our first runner - and first winner - on that memorable day at Town Moor. The win cemented our partnership with Mark Walford which still blossoms today. An unforgettable start to life.
2. Take A Break, Hexham, October 13th 2018 (Mark Walford, Jamie Hamilton)
Our first National Hunt winner - and at one of our favourite tracks! Take A Break streaked to victory as 7/4f cementing a partnership with Jamie Hamilton which still exists to this day!
3.Take A Break, Carlisle, November 4th 2018 (Mark Walford, Jamie Hamilton)
Year one was brought to an end with a really gutsy win for Take A Break - 7/1 was a gift looking back, just three weeks on from his win at Hexham.
4. Kodimoor, Beverley, July 5th 2019 (Mark Walford, Dougie Costello)
We had to wait eight months and a day for our next visit to the winners’ enclosure - but then again, we did only have a couple of horses back then! This was a first victory for our only four-time winner Kodimoor
5. Kodimoor, Ayr, July 15th 2019 (Mark Walford, Dougie Costello)
This time it was only 10 days between drinks and Kodimoor once again got his nose in front, bringing Dougie level with Jamie at the top of our jockey standings!
6. Kodimoor, Lingfield, July 27th 2019 (Mark Walford, Dougie Costello)
Would you believe it! Kodimoor, showing off this time winning by a neck, rattles off a 22 day hattrick! Our first winner down south, it was worth the journey from Yorkshire as Ursa Major begins to make ripples in the racing world.
7. Candescence, Pontefract, June 15th 2020 (Mark Walford, Nathan Evans)
Our 2020 campaign - like everyone else’s - was delayed thanks to the global Covid-19 pandemic. But when racing got back up and running a true Battenberg legend was crowned with Candescence winning on debut - our first juvenile winner. She went off at a scarcely believable 25/1, but her owners managed to take the bookies for an almighty bashing, with tales still told about the socially-distanced celebrations which followed.
8. Carlovian, Catterick, September 8th 2020 (Mark Walford, Kevin Stott)
A collector’s item - a winner - but not one that carried the Battenbergs as we entered into shared ownership. Kevin Stott, who has played an instrumental role in future wins, gets on the Ursa scoresheet for the first time.
9. Clifftop Heaven, Newcastle, September 25th 2020 (Mark Walford, Phil Dennis)
It was 11th time lucky for Clifftop Heaven who finally got his head in front for regular Battenberg wearer Phil Dennis. It was also a first all weather winner for the club!
10. Highway One, Lingfield, December 21st 2020 (George Baker, Adam Kirby)
Our first winner trained by someone other than Mark Walford, as George Baker and future Derby winning jockey Adam Kirby notched us a winner to pay for Christmas and our second victory of the year at Lingfield.
11. Event of Sivola, Musselburgh, February 7th 2021 (Mark Walford, Jamie Hamilton)
Another long-standing Ursa legend who at the time of writing is preparing for his fourth winter campaign for us. He readily ran away with this one, coming more than three lengths clear of his nearest challenger - a staying chase hero.
12. Kodimoor, Beverley, May 3rd 2021 (Mark Walford, Phil Dennis)
A feat that still hasn’t been matched - Kodimoor won for his fourth time in our colours! He went on to race another 15 times for his loving owners, placing on several of them. Kodimoor will never be forgotten and we still sometimes hear from him as he enjoys his new life.
13. Clifftop Heaven, Wolverhampton, May 18th 2021 (Mark Walford, Mr Simon Walker)
It was as easy as you like for Clifftop this time under crack amateur Simon Walker, who dominated proceedings. A first winner at Dunstall Park.
14. Battle Angel, Hamilton, July 16th 2021 (Mark Walford, Jason Hart)
She has only been with us a matter of days, but Battle Angel won readily north of the border on a Saturday evening. A grey filly we got very excited about - and for good reason.
15. Graystown, Hexham, October 9th 2021 (Stuart Coltherd, Sam Coltherd)
A lease option for this popular chaser proved successful with the Coltherd’s as he gained a deserved victory at Hexham. This horse proved great fun through the winter and earned his place in our hall of fame.
16. Battle Angel, Wetherby, October 13th 2021 (Mark Walford, Jamie Hamilton)
A superb victory here as Battle Angel became our first dual purpose winner, scoring easily in a juvenile hurdle before going on to run in a Listed Race. She is an Ursa legend and her sister has joined her in our winners list subsequently.
17. Event Of Sivola, Ayr, October 25th 2021 (Mark Walford, Tom Midgley)
A fantastic month saw Event gain his second win for us and our third in October! There may have been only three runners, but this was a real contest, with Event needing a big jump at the last before getting home by a neck.
18. Ghadbbaan, Doncaster March 27th 2022 (Mark Walford, Miss Alex Garven)
A quiet winter was brought to an immediate halt as soon as the flat turf season started, with Alex Garven giving Ghadbbaan a peach of a ride to come home clear by two lengths on his seasonal debut. A Mothering Sunday to remember, as Ghadders was backed down from 25/1 to an SP of 9/1.
19. Dis Donc, Wetherby, March 31st 2022 (Micky Hammond, Jamie Hamilton)
A grand servant who earned plenty of prize money for connections, but one thing was missing from Dis Donc’s record - a win! But that was put right in the most exciting fashion over hurdles at Wetherby, Jamie Hamilton riding an absolute corker of a ride to bring him home by less than a length. A video of the celebrations went viral on social media.
20. Candescence, Hamilton, May 8th 2022 (Mark Walford, Dougie Costello)
Probably still our most high profile victory - an £18k victory in the Sunday Series live on ITV for our Sprint Queen who finally got her day in the sun. Memorable for so many reasons, it will never be forgotten by all who witnessed it. Candescence deserved this - and she is still with us and Mark as she expects her first foal next spring.
21. Fenna’s Loss, Hexham, June 19th 2022 (Mark Walford, Sean Quinlan)
Another case of a new arrival winning within a few days of joining Mark Walford as Fenna’s Loss became our first bumper winner. He stormed to victory scoring by almost six lengths - a real sign of what was to come from this brilliant horse.
22. Fenna’s Loss, Uttoxeter, July 13th 2022 (Mark Walford, Sean Quinlan)
He immediately transferred that bumper form to hurdles, scoring readily in blistering heat at the Midlands venue. The dream was well and truly still alive.
23. Far From A Ruby, Ayr, August 4th 2022 (Katie Scott, Aiden Brookes)
Katie Scott gained her first winner for us with a win in an incident packed race at Ayr. Ruby had proven to be be one of our most popular horses with owners and the racing public and after two seconds it was extremely rewarding to see her get her head in front.
24. Ralphy Boy Two, Hamilton, August 16th 2022 (Ewan Whillans, Graham Lee)
Fellow Borders trainer Ewan Whillans added his name to our roll of honour by sending out Ralphy Boy Two to win by half a length in pulsating fashion. Grand National winning jockey Graham Lee did the steering.
25. Ghadbbaan, Ripon, September 24th 2022 (Mark Walford, Phil Dennis)
Ghadbbaan bookended a stunning season with a fantastic win at Ripon, two runs after a breathing operation which saw his form taken to a new level. He was raised to a career high mark of 71 for this gutsy performance which saw him come up the rail and spark wild celebrations from our social media team.
26. Melburnian, Kelso, October 22nd 2022 (Rebecca Menzies, Nathan Moscrop)
Rebecca Menzies gained her first Ursa winner here with the horse with the most striking face winning by five-and-a-half lengths. The win was deserved - Melanie had finished in the first four on her five previous runs for us - but it was bittersweet with an injury meaning it was also her final start. She is now in foal to Derby and Arc winner Workforce.
27. Champagne Sarah, Newcastle, November 1st 2022 (Mike Murphy and Michael Keady, Kevin Stott)
Another two-year-old filly wins for us as the two Mike’s added a win to our roll of honour. Sarah gained the first of three victories to date as she got it done by a very easy length. It was the first leg of our first ever double.
28. Kath’s Toyboy, Newcastle, November 1st 2022 (Mike Murphy and Michael Keady, Kevin Stott)
And the second leg came an hour later for the same connections sparking wild celebrations from the Racing Manager, caught live on Sky Sports Racing. KTB was a true icon for us, winning once but finishing second on six occasions - even losing one race in the stewards’ room. Never to be forgotten.
29. Event of Sivola, Hexham, November 16th 2022 (Mark Walford, Jamie Hamilton)
It wouldn’t be winter without a win for Event and he jumped the field ragged over 4m on soft ground - perfect conditions for this brilliant boy. The win was marked with a stunning painting by one of our owners, which was presented to Event’s stable lass Christine.
30. Wreck It Ryley, Southwell, February 12th 2023 (Grant Tuer, Sam James)
Grant Tuer and Sam James are familiar faces in the winners’ enclosure for us these days but Ryley’s photo finish win was a first for us back in February! The win was particularly celebrated as young Ryley himself was on hand to pick up the trophy and be interviewed on Sky Sports by Matt Chapman, cheered by dad Tony Smith.
31. Moonlight Glory, Newcastle, February 25th 2023 (Mark Walford, Tom Midgley)
Moonlight Glory had enjoyed a great start to her Ursa career coming second at big odds at Hexham during Cheltenham week. But a defeat at odds on in a four runner race saw her pick up an injury and she came back somewhat flat. However, 2m and hurdles worked the oracle and she ran out an easy winner.
32. Mr Hailstone, Chepstow, April 15th 2023 (Dr Richard Newland, Luke Scott)
A race that has to be seen to be believed. It may have been Grand National day, but Mr Hailstone stole the headlines with a last to first win - and a first Battenbery victory for National winning trainer Dr Richard Newland. He had dropped off the back of the screen in the home straight before making late headway at a rate of knots and Ursa Major making headlines in the Racing Post.
33. Carrarea, Market Rasen, May 12th 2023 (Mark Walford, Jamie Hamilton)
Carrarea is another Irish import to Mark Walford’s who has gone on to win more than once for us. This time he made light work of his rivals at odds on, skipping away by more than three lengths.
34. Moonlight Glory, Hexham, May 13th 2023 (Mark Walford, Tom Midgley)
Moonlight Glory continued her fine Spring by skipping around Hexham - the result was never really in doubt coming out of the back straight. While the winning margin was only a length, she was good value for it.
35. Bay Dream Believer, Wetherby, May 16th 2023 (Mark Walford, Andrew Mullen)
Things had not been looking good for the sister of Battle Angel and the transfer list beckoned. But a drop down to a mile proved to be just what the doctor ordered and she battled on bravely to win by half a length - one of many fine races at her new trip.
36. Thaki, Hamilton, May 31st 2023 (Katie Scott, Joe Fanning)
Katie got her name on the scoresheet again with bargain buy Thaki landing his first race in our colours - with Joe Fanning also gaining a maiden success in the pink and yellow. It wrapped up a glorious May that saw his win four races in less than three weeks.
37. Carrarea, Market Rasen, June 1st 2023 (Mark Walford, Jamie Hamilton)
It was more of the same for Carrarea - this time easing to success by 5l, again at odds on.
38. Champagne Sarah, Newbury, June 7th 2023 (Mike Murphy and Michael Keady, Kevin Stott)
Sarah was reunited with Kevin Stott and she bounced back to her brilliant best, winning like a very progressive sprinter indeed.
39. Champagne Sarah, Yarmouth, June 14th 2023 (Mike Murphy and Michael Keady, Billy Loughnane)
Seven days later and Sarah was back out at Yarmouth - this time with Billy Loughnane on board, less than six months after he led up Wreck It Ryley for us at Wolverhampton. The scale of his rise is almost unprecedented and Sarah took a big step forward here, winning by a head, but it never looked in danger.
40. Made of Lir, Ripon, June 21st 2023 (Sam England, Connor Planas)
If you thought Mr Hailston was breathtaking, you’ll enjoy this one too! MOL missed the break (as she was prone to do). Sometimes this isn’t a huge deal. Over 6f it is. Yet Connor Planas didn’t panic. He got her enjoying it and let her loose down the outside 2f from home, from where she flew, winning with a bit in hand. She was a quirky filly who brought us so much joy - and added Sam England to our list of winners.
41. Fenna’s Loss, Hexham, June 25th 2023 (Mark Walford, Jamie Hamilton)
Fenna’s returned to the scene of his bumper win and streaked to victory in this handicap hurdle. A well backed favourite with a couple of non runners, he turned out of the famous Hexham back straight and never looked in real danger. He has now won a bumper, novice hurdle and handicap hurdle.
42. Chamber Choir, Wolverhampton, July 19th 2023 (Jack Jones, Dylan Hogan)
Jack Jones joined the Ursa roster and took little time in getting on the board when Chamber Choir scored readily at Dunstall Park. A total of 16 owners screamed her home on track as Dylan Hogan gave her a ballsy ride to bring her home in front - just holding off second.
43. Thaki, Ayr, August 12th 2023 (Katie Scott, Phil Dennis)
Thaki bitzed this at double figure odds - leading to Katie having to go in and give the Stewards the classic “could offer no explanation for the improved form” line. A fabulous victory and the first leg of our second double.
44. Cabinet Maker, Ayr, August 12th 2023 (Rebecca Menzies, Andrew Mullen)
Everything finally came right for this gorgeous grey at Ayr as we celebrated our second double - on a Saturday night at Ayr to boot! It was a second Battenberg win for both Rebecca Menzies and Andrew Mullen.
45. Wreck It Ryley, Ayr, August 17th 2023 (Grant Tuer, Oliver Stammers)
There cannot be many more consistent performers in our colours than Ryley and he gained a second victory in this evening contest at Ayr - making it three wins at the track in just five days. Oli Stammers gaining a well deserved success in our colours with a perfectly timed ride.
46. Glory and Honour, Cartmel, August 26th 2023 (Sam England, Jonathan England)
Another top purchase from our Racing Manager as just days after Glory and Honour joined us he was winning at Cartmel, with an outstanding and sneaky ride from Jonathan England who flew from seemingly nowhere to win convincingly. Sticky Toffee Pudding all round!
47. Curious Rover, Catterick, August 30th 2023 (Katie Scott, Sam James)
Another two-year-old victory and another winner for our Scottish maestro Katie Scott. We bought Curious Rover mere days before this success after he made a super start to life for Galashiels’ favourite sports star. He burst from the gates and didn’t see another rival, eased down to win by two lengths.
48. The Turpinator, Thirsk, September 9th 2023 (Grant Tuer, Sean Kirrane)
We bought him to be a Saturday horse and that is exactly what he has proven to be, running some huge races and placing and also scoring here at Thirsk after taking it up 2f out. Sean drove him home to the delight of his loyal owners.
49. Chamber Choir, Chelmsford, September 14th 2023 (Jack Jones, Benoit De La Sayette)
Chamber Choir was back in the winners’ enclosure again, given a fabulous ride by Benoit, who was winning for the first time in Battenbergs. She virtually made all and gave Jack a second winner with the only horse we have with him. A star in the making.
50. Curious Rover, Haydock, September 29th 2023 (Katie Scott, William Pyle)
What a way to bring up number 50! Curious Rover broke from the stalls, sorted himself out and once again did not see another rival as he coasted home on soft ground by more than three lengths. Scoring in this fashion in a Class 2 worth just shy of £11,000 to the winner as a two year old colt is the stuff of dreams. Katie registered her fourth win of the year (and fifth in total) with Team Battenberg and William Pyle notched his first Ursa success.
